from Running Aces

Columbus, MN — Al-Mar Passion, who owner-trainer-driver Rick Magee calls “the best trotter I’ve ever sat behind,” cruised to a 2:01.2 triumph on Tuesday night (Aug. 20) at Running Aces, besting Chewy Dunkerton (Steve Wiseman) and She’s A Foxie Lady (John DeLong).

The $13,500 state-restricted 2-year-old trot was the final prep for the freshman squaregaiters before the Aug. 31 Minnesota State Championships Night when 11 different $20,000 races will be contested to determine Gopher State champions in each age, sex and gait division.

Six Gun regained his winning ways in a $9,900 Open Pace, scoring in 1:52.1, his fourth score at Running Aces this summer, including an all-time, all-age track record of 1:50.4 on July 16. Jason Ryan, who just returned to Minnesota after a week on Prince Edward Island (where he finished third in the prestigious Gold Cup and Saucer), trains and drives the gray gelding for owner Anthony Artuso. Armbro David (DeLong) was a fast-closing second with Steuben Jumpinjack (Wiseman) completing the trifecta.

The ultra-consistent Show Runner, the unquestioned queen of Running Aces despite being only three years old, bested the older mare pacers again in an $8,925 Fillies and Mares Open. Trainer-driver Tim Maier made a bold move to the front nearing the half and maintained an open lengths margin the rest of the way until stopping the teletimer in 1:52.3. Passion R Virginie (Ryan) and Still Electric (DeLong) were second and third, respectively.

Show Runner now has seven wins, three places and one show finish in 11 local appearances in Minnesota for owners Denise Maier and Eileen Brodbar.